Runcorn man charged over racist social media post during the Euros
The post on Facebook was made the day after England lost to Italy on penalties
Last updated 17th Aug 2021
A man has been charged in connection with a racist social media message posted after the Euro 2020 final.
Scott McCluskey, 43, from Runcorn, will appear in court next month charged with sending an offensive/abusive message by a public communication network, a spokesman for Cheshire Police said.
The force said the charge related to a Facebook message which was posted on Monday, July 12 - the day after England lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
McCluskey, of Blyth Close, is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on September 8.
A police investigation was launched following England's defeat when racist comments, targeting black players including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, appeared on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Mark Roberts, Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) lead for football policing, said:
"Hate crime in any form is simply not acceptable.
"The racial abuse aimed at our own players following Sunday night's game was totally abhorrent and has quite rightly shocked and appalled people across the country.
"Those in the England team have been true role models throughout the tournament, conducting themselves with professionalism and dignity.''
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